This summer, Redeemer鈥檚 Business Co-Op program gained its initial accreditation from the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE). This recognition will strengthen the Business Co-op Program, which is also accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario. It sets the stage for development of future co-operative education programs at Redeemer. 鈥淭his is a significant accomplishment,鈥 notes Dr. Doug Needham, Provost and Vice President, Academic. “CAFCE accreditation gives employers confidence that Redeemer’s business co-op program meets a high standard of quality. This will not only open doors for our business students seeking work terms, but as we look to expand experiential learning opportunities across the curriculum, we will be benefit from the research and advocacy work of the association.鈥 Experiential learning 鈥 co-operative education, internships, off-campus studies, volunteer opportunities, etc. 鈥 is an increasing part of a student鈥檚 Redeemer education experience. For example, in the Business Co-Op program, students have two, eight-month paid work terms, chances to integrate classroom learning with real-world employment experience. “Our students learn both professional and life skills from their co-op work experience,” says Jennifer Pringle-Lane, Redeemer鈥檚 Director, Co-operative Education and Career Services. 鈥淚t also gives them a chance to explore various career ideas.鈥 Redeemer has been working to receive CAFCE accreditation for the last year. A review team, consisting of members from other institutions that offer co-operative education, evaluated the application and submitted its recommendation to the group鈥檚 Accreditation Council. In its recommendation letter to the accreditation council, the chair of the team wrote, “We have been particularly impressed with the many high-touch practises used to engage, support and prepare students for personal and professional growth.” The accreditation status is valid for six years and Pringle-Lane is looking forward to Redeemer鈥檚 involvement with the association. 鈥淲e learned so much from the CAFCE accreditation process and look forward to sharing ideas and best practises with other members,鈥 she says. Pringle-Lane is currently serving on CAFCE鈥檚 Accreditation Council.